I would like to eventually aquire some double box end racheting wrenches. I wil get both SAE and metric. I've looked around and most of the combinations are box and open end. I was looking with a straight box on the other end. Does anyone have any suggestions. I can't afford the tool truck new prices.
Double box end racheting wrenches
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Bolster
Well-known member
CamarosRus
Well-known member
Why would not these double GEAR wrench box wrenches be the most popular.
With so few people using open end wrenches, I dont understand why most gear wrench owners have the open end combos???
PLEASE comment...............
With so few people using open end wrenches, I dont understand why most gear wrench owners have the open end combos???
PLEASE comment...............
superautobacs
Well-known member
I think it's half oversight on the part of the industry and the other half being a strategy in marketing.
Whoever started marketing the rat. wrench in Taiwan stuck with the idea that a rat.wrench belongs on the design priciple of a combination wrench. As the product got publicity in Taiwan and abroad, other tool makers in Taiwan jumped on the bandwagon, sticking to the same design principle.
Afterall, if you look into the toolbox's of the general public, you'd find the combination wrench to be the predominant style of configuration than anything else. That's probably why they've stuck with mass-producing the combi. style ones.
Personally speaking, I find little use in having an open-end; I'd much rather have a double-box where I don't have to 'waste' half of the tool (I have regular combi. wrenches for that purpose) and precious space in my toolbox.
Now that these combination style rat. wrenches have been in the market for several years, the tool makers have slowly introduced other configurations into the mix. I think this is part of their marketing strategy to keep buyer coming back for the 'latest and greatest' offerings--getting people to consider and buy into an 'upgrade'.
I'm still waiting for Danaher/GearWrench to come with a double-box X-beam, but like anything else fresh in the market, it's hard to get a good deal on them. So I'll probably have to wait an year before prices drop. But maybe by then every rat.wrench Danaher produces would shift production to the land of cheaper labour where quality tends to go south--China.
yogitech
Well-known member
I have a regular combo ratchet wrench as well as the newest purchse of these; http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kd85988.html
They work great, and much nicer set than the SK in my opinion...
They work great, and much nicer set than the SK in my opinion...
wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
Quite honestly, availability. The general Gearwrenches, are available anywhere, these are not, and they don't have all the large sizes.
Now besides the one above posted, Dahner owned Gearwrench, and Armstrong, make sets that are box end and Gearwrench end. The Gearwrench ones are longer (so I have been told), and cheaper (unless you find a good buy on Ebay or such). The Gearwrench ones are called Gearbox for the straight ones (not going to talk about the S style wrenches or the C shaped ones).
Uncle Buck
Banned
I have these sets in both standard and metric. I much prefer my double box ends to the combo wrenches, but I think it is just a personal preference thing myself.
CamarosRus
Well-known member
Yogitech, I dont have the patience or know how to show a comparison with all the links, etc.
You link the KD brands gear/box wrenches. Gear Wrench also has a gear/box version.
Anyone compare the different brands BOX/Racheting Box wrenches.
How much importance should a buyer put into the type of gear wrench that turns or twists the wrench into middle, making the pulling/pushing area more broad.
I've never seen any 6pt gear wrenches. I work mostly on the restoration of classic Camaros. Would not a 6pt wrench be easier on my newly restored/plated fasteners.....
I see gear wrenches with 1)movable/swiveling head, 2) fixed angled heads, and what seems to be 3)straight gear wrench heads with box wrenches on other.
Man this isnt easy for a new buyer, only wanting to buy ONE efficient set
You link the KD brands gear/box wrenches. Gear Wrench also has a gear/box version.
Anyone compare the different brands BOX/Racheting Box wrenches.
How much importance should a buyer put into the type of gear wrench that turns or twists the wrench into middle, making the pulling/pushing area more broad.
I've never seen any 6pt gear wrenches. I work mostly on the restoration of classic Camaros. Would not a 6pt wrench be easier on my newly restored/plated fasteners.....
I see gear wrenches with 1)movable/swiveling head, 2) fixed angled heads, and what seems to be 3)straight gear wrench heads with box wrenches on other.
Man this isnt easy for a new buyer, only wanting to buy ONE efficient set
r6_cannibal
Well-known member
Aint that the truth!
Ideally i would have a fixed offset box-end and on the other side have a ratcheting box-end with an offset or even a swivel if it wasn't huge and intrusive.
Sometimes i wonder if the people designing these wrenches even use them.
I have a regular combo ratchet wrench as well as the newest purchse of these; http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kd85988.html
They work great, and much nicer set than the SK in my opinion...
This is the main one I'm leaning toward, not too pricey either.
CamarosRus
Well-known member
How does the above KD brand compare with the Gear Wrench (and others) of the
racheting box wrenches?
Someone please explain which brands are all made by DANAHER?
racheting box wrenches?
Someone please explain which brands are all made by DANAHER?
wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
KD is the parent of Danaher, and a subsiduary now, of Armstrong. (meged under a couple years back).
Dahaner owns/makes KD (Gearwrench, which became its own marketing brand), Armstrong (Craftsman USA made are from them) and licenses the tech to others (I believe there was a post about the Williams and Bluepoint being licensed from them).
J.A.F.E.
Well-known member
Williams and Blue Point are Snap-on Brands.
wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
That is why I said licenses the tech to them.
Merkava_4
Banned
Armstrong.
superautobacs
Well-known member
I don't think there's one single set that'll suite my needs.
Danaher is the only with the X-beam handle design. I see it as a benefit for larger sizes, where torque values would be higher. So, I wouldn't get the smaller ones in this style.
6pt versions are, as far as I know, only offered by Matco and Mac. They are also made in Taiwan, by Kabo.
There's lots of configurations available. There's flex locking types and double-swivel types, too. There's even ones with ring/cap stops as well--useful depending on application.
Happy shopping.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
To me these are my favorite style of ratcheting wrench. http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=2898411&PMT4NO=66644401
I like having a fixed boxed end that I can break a fastener loose with or overtighten it with and then be able to speed it off with the ratcheting end.
I've only seen them made by Armstrong and Matco. Yes, they are quite expensive from an industrial supply house or the Matco tool truck. They used to be alot cheaper on Ebay but, their prices have increased recently no doubt in part to posts here. They're the same wrench, just different names. Gearwrench came out with their Gearbox version which are also nice. However, sometimes the Gearboxs are simply too long. They are zero offset at both ends though. They are also made in Taiwan or the PRC depending on vintage. There are also times when the extra length comes in handy. Matco also sells a variation of the extra long Gearbox wrench with the ratcheting end being a flex head with a fixed box end on the opposite end. Over the years, I have broken a couple of Armstrongs and Matcos through normal use. I have also cracked one Gearbox wrench. The Gearbox failed on the fixed boxed end whereas, the others wouldn't ratchet. They would freewheel in both directions. Unfortunately, there really isn't just one set of wrenches out there that will do everything you want it to do but, that's just my take. Good luck in your quest. I wish Gearwrench would come out with a standard length version of the Gearbox wrenches or perhaps a clone of the Matco versions with the ratcheting flex head at one end. Good luck in your quest.
I like having a fixed boxed end that I can break a fastener loose with or overtighten it with and then be able to speed it off with the ratcheting end.
I've only seen them made by Armstrong and Matco. Yes, they are quite expensive from an industrial supply house or the Matco tool truck. They used to be alot cheaper on Ebay but, their prices have increased recently no doubt in part to posts here. They're the same wrench, just different names. Gearwrench came out with their Gearbox version which are also nice. However, sometimes the Gearboxs are simply too long. They are zero offset at both ends though. They are also made in Taiwan or the PRC depending on vintage. There are also times when the extra length comes in handy. Matco also sells a variation of the extra long Gearbox wrench with the ratcheting end being a flex head with a fixed box end on the opposite end. Over the years, I have broken a couple of Armstrongs and Matcos through normal use. I have also cracked one Gearbox wrench. The Gearbox failed on the fixed boxed end whereas, the others wouldn't ratchet. They would freewheel in both directions. Unfortunately, there really isn't just one set of wrenches out there that will do everything you want it to do but, that's just my take. Good luck in your quest. I wish Gearwrench would come out with a standard length version of the Gearbox wrenches or perhaps a clone of the Matco versions with the ratcheting flex head at one end. Good luck in your quest.
Merkava_4
Banned
Don't have any, but I've seen them in person at Johnston industrial supply. They're very nice.
bry@n
Well-known member
I have some I can part with. PM me and I will send pics etc...
superautobacs
Well-known member
These are still made in the USA like the tool roll states? Are they 72-teeth and how does the thickness at the ratcheting box end compare with the non-reversibles from the GearWrench brand?
I don't understand why the rat.end is a zero offset while the box end is a 15 degree offset like a standard combi. wrench.
wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
These are still made in the USA like the tool roll states? Are they 72-teeth and how does the thickness at the ratcheting box end compare with the non-reversibles from the GearWrench brand?
I don't understand why the rat.end is a zero offset while the box end is a 15 degree offset like a standard combi. wrench.
I don't have my non reversibles in front of me, they are at the shop. I keep these Armstrongs at home. From memory, these matched the non reversibles in thickness, and these are ALSO non reversible (hence the reason these are 0° on the Gearwrench end).
superautobacs
Well-known member
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I don't understand why the rat.end is a zero offset while the box end is a 15 degree offset like a standard combi. wrench.
I was already aware that all non-reversibles are zero offset.
I didn't make myself clear enough....
This design is perfect for the user who is reluctant to use the rat. end to perform the initial loosening and final tightening of a fastener; the box end takes care of those tasks.
So I'm just wondering why the manufacturer wouldn't design the box end with a zero offset. A zero offset is the most ideal in transfering torque to a fastener.
fordracing200
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2009
- Messages
- 629
what brand do people prefer/have best luck with? My friend has cman box end ratcheting wrenchs and they're junk, alot of slop in the head and they jam up all the time, and my brother inlaw has the proffesional set and he has the same problem, always jamming up and always smashing them on the floor
I have the Armstrong ratcheting double box in SAE. Got them off ebay on the cheap. Went back to get the metrics and the price shot upwards (I guess everyone else discovered them). I found them a good value. Originally I wanted the Matco version until I found the Armstrongs on ebay. I use them all the time and they're great. Long beam, comfortable, zero offset is OKwith me.
wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
I don't know about brand preference, as mine all are made by the same company.
I have the Armstrongs at home. I initially bought both sets (SAE and metric) for less then what the replacement metric set cost me after it got stolen. (of course the only tool that showed back up) I keep these in a roll, as well as the open end flare nut end wrench sets, so I have most wrench situations covered (except stubby).
At the shop, I keep my Gearwrenches (through some larger sizes) and my stubby Gearwrenches. I would like to try/find some flex head Gearwrenches cheap, as I doubt I would get as much use as I hope to. I think the biggest cost benefit to me, has been the metric stubbies (Ebay $40 SEVERAL years back).
I have the Armstrongs at home. I initially bought both sets (SAE and metric) for less then what the replacement metric set cost me after it got stolen. (of course the only tool that showed back up) I keep these in a roll, as well as the open end flare nut end wrench sets, so I have most wrench situations covered (except stubby).
At the shop, I keep my Gearwrenches (through some larger sizes) and my stubby Gearwrenches. I would like to try/find some flex head Gearwrenches cheap, as I doubt I would get as much use as I hope to. I think the biggest cost benefit to me, has been the metric stubbies (Ebay $40 SEVERAL years back).
yogitech
Well-known member
I now the full set of flex head ratchet wrenches are fairly priced, just not sure I would find use for all of the sizes maybe only a couple. Heres the link..http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kd9901.html
CamarosRus
Well-known member
Yogitech (and others), I just am looking for more people to agree that the zero offset rachet head/box wrench (long beam?) would be the MOST useful of these wrenches......
rather than the more commonly seen flex head/open end, or even flex head/box end (if that's even made.
I'm just thinking that I will buy one of those swivel headed rachet wrenches and use a coventional socket, when I need a angled position ???????
I hear all this talk now about ARMSTRONG, Gear Wrench, Danaher.........all owned by ARMSTRONG , all so confusing?????
Wish somebody with more patience than I would write a clear and concise chart of what is offered by whom and which brand names offer the same exact product and which brand names offer exclusive products ......ALL in this "Gear Wrench" subject!!!!!!!!!!!!
rather than the more commonly seen flex head/open end, or even flex head/box end (if that's even made.
I'm just thinking that I will buy one of those swivel headed rachet wrenches and use a coventional socket, when I need a angled position ???????
I hear all this talk now about ARMSTRONG, Gear Wrench, Danaher.........all owned by ARMSTRONG , all so confusing?????
Wish somebody with more patience than I would write a clear and concise chart of what is offered by whom and which brand names offer the same exact product and which brand names offer exclusive products ......ALL in this "Gear Wrench" subject!!!!!!!!!!!!
brockstar
Well-known member
All my ratcheting wrenches are double box. The SAE set is GearWrench, the metrics are Blackhawks. The only other type I had any interest in was the locking flex heads. But I'm limited on space, so with the double box sets I fit 12 wrenches in the space of 24 combination type Gearwrenches.
reversegear
Well-known member
Nope. Danaher's I.P. holdings for ratcheting wrenches are pretty weak, and nobody needs to license them. Their biggest assets are their trademarks.
nexum1919
Well-known member
Anybody used these? Sounds like the dream combination...
SK No.89480
5 Piece Stubby Flexible Double Box Universal Spline G-Pro Metric Wrench Set
Works on various types of fasterners, spline, 6 point, 12 point, 50% rounded, torx and square
Patented 90 teeth design
4 degree effective swing arc
Lifetime Warranty
SK No.89480
5 Piece Stubby Flexible Double Box Universal Spline G-Pro Metric Wrench Set
Works on various types of fasterners, spline, 6 point, 12 point, 50% rounded, torx and square
Patented 90 teeth design
4 degree effective swing arc
Lifetime Warranty
I have thoes SKs in Metric and SAE; they are great. Definitely the smoothest ratcheting mechanism of any that I own (I also have Craftsman and GearWrench ratcheting wrenches). They are a good length. Not too short so you can get some leverage and not too long so they fit in tight spaces. The flex joints are also less bulky and obtrusive compared to GearWrench and Craftsman. IMO, this double box design is much more practical than the GearWrench stubby flex combos.
nexum1919
Well-known member
what do you think about the 'spline' drive? How does it perform under high torque? (high torque=pulling the wrench until your hearing gets all muffled up)
The spline drive works fine on 6 pt fasteners. I have never had any problems with slipage or rounding. Feels similar to a 12 pt design to me, although a few of the sizes seem to have a tighter fit. The wrenches have no noticable wear to the drive ring. I don't put a ton of torque on these because they are short pattern. I do, however, have the XXL flex and deep offset sets, which have seen some pretty heavy torque loads. Again, no issues with them. I have used all of these sets pretty regularly for about a year and a half.
Vinko
Well-known member
I have a set of the SAE Armstrongs. They've held up really damn well. I don't think they were too badly priced either.